It was a busy winter break for the wrestling team, as the Bears (3-6, 2-4 EIWA) spent much of their time on the road competing up and down the northeast. Bruno’s efforts were highlighted by strong individual results at the Franklin and Marshall Open, as well as wins at Sacred Heart University, Franklin and Marshall College and Bloomsburg University.

“Winter break is a perfect time without academic stresses to focus on building and refining skills,” said Head Coach Todd Beckerman. “We saw the team’s dedication and grit, and as school ramps back up, we hope to continue that momentum through the conference tournament and NCAA Championships.”

Before embarking on the more traditional dual-meet portion of their schedule, the Bears kicked things off at the Franklin and Marshall Open, where they registered five place-winners. The team was led by Justin Staudenmayer ’17, who won the 157-pound weight class, and Josh Durso-Finley ’18, who captured second at 197 pounds. Staudenmayer has now placed in three tournaments during the season, marking an impressive start for the junior.

“Justin is a competitor and works extremely hard in the wrestling room,” Beckerman said. “After making it to the NCAA tournament last year in St. Louis, it made him more hungry to have success on the national stage. His goal this year is to get on the NCAA podium at Madison Square Garden in NYC, and he is doing the right things to make that happen.”

After competing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Bears headed west to begin a series of nine dual-meets. The first three came at the Pitt Duals, where Bruno faced off against ACC powerhouses No. 15 North Carolina and No. 20 Pittsburgh, as well as EIWA foe American University. Despite losing all three contests, Staudenmayer and Austin Pfarr ’18 fared well, winning two bouts apiece.

The Bears continued with five consecutive EIWA matches, putting up a 2-3 record. Bruno took down Sacred Heart and Franklin and Marshall but fell to Cornell, Columbia and Bucknell. Most recently, the team travelled to Bloomburg University, where it recorded a convincing victory.

Beckerman pointed to the improvements of Steven Galiardo ’17, Zeke Salvo ’18 and Jon Viruet ’19 in the dual meets.

Galiardo is “growing in confidence and putting in extra work, and it’s paying off in his performance,” Beckerman said.

“Salvo has also really elevated his game this year and is leading the team in pin falls with seven total,” he added.

“Viruet has really progressed from the first day he stepped on campus. He stays after practice, watches video of his matches and it shows in his results,” Beckerman said.

Beckerman explained that winter break is not only about the wins and losses, but also a chance for the team to spend time together away from competition.

“We like to use this time to have fun and bond as a team,” he said, adding that the team enjoyed a Providence Bruins hockey game and a community service event. “We use these activities as an opportunity to learn more about our team and their personalities outside of the wrestling room.”

The Bears hope to take everything they learned on and off the mat during break and build on it as they get ready to take on Ivy League foes Penn and Princeton in upcoming Alumni Weekend matches Feb. 6-7.